“I’m an Idiot”: Zach Top Admits He Still Gets Starstruck Around His Country Music Heroes, Talks Meeting George Strait, Vince Gill

Zach Top burst onto the country music scene with his album Cold Beer & Country Music. For many listeners, his 1990s country-inspired sound was a breath of fresh air. His throwback sound led him to share stages with some of his musical heroes, including Alan Jackson and George Strait.

Recently, Top was a guest on the Bussin’ with the Boys podcast. During his conversation with the hosts, he reflected on his career, discussed releasing new music, and shared his thoughts on the current state of country music. The “Sounds Like the Radio” singer also recalled meeting some of his musical heroes.

[RELATED: Zach Top Proves Country Music Has a Bright Future with “Use Me” at the ACM Awards]

Zach Top on Meeting George Strait and Other Country Greats

Zach Top grew up listening to the likes of Merle Haggard, George Jones, George Strait, and Alan Jackson. Years later, his popularity in the country music world has allowed him to meet some of the genre’s living legends. During the podcast appearance, he recalled meeting George Strait.

“I got to do his charity golf tournament the last two years, outside of San Antonio,” Top said of Strait. “I got to meet him. I wouldn’t say I got to have a conversation with him, but he’s been very nice to me. And I got to talk to him, just in passing a couple of times, which is cool enough for me,” he said.

Top explained that the final night of the golf tournament ends with a concert. The artists who attended the tournament get to take the stage to play a few songs before Strait and his band close out the night. “I was getting off [the stage] and he was like, ‘Stay up here and play some with us.’ So, I got to hang on to the guitar and play a little backup for George Strait, which was pretty cool,” Top recalled.

“I’ve got a picture of me, the piano player took it from side stage. It’s Jamey Johnson, George, me, and Dean Dillon,” he added.

Meeting Vince Gill

When asked if he gets starstruck around major country artists, Zach Top admitted that he does. “I’m an idiot,” he said, laughing.

“That’s what I told Vince Gill when I met him out at the Opry a couple of years ago. I told him, ‘There’s not many people left alive that can make me starstruck and act like an idiot, and you’re one of them. So, I’m sorry in advance,’” he recalled. “It’s kind of the same with George and with Alan. I don’t know what to say to these guys. I wish I could just be cool and have a normal conversation,” he added.

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